Value For Money

Hank's review of Children of Men

Good Points
Special effects
Well cast
Attention to detail
Action scenes

Bad Points
Not moving/compelling

General CommentsChildren of Men is a pretty good film and in general quite different to the average film you will see at the cinema. Set in 2027 the film presents a fairly bleak picture of the future, with London subjected to daily terrorist attacks, immigrants locked up in cages ready to be sent back to their homelands and most importantly the infertility of women that has sent the world into a depression.

The film begins with the international community in mourning after the death of the worlds youngest citizen at just 18 years of age. Our film's hero, Theodore Faron (Clive Owen), doesn't have much time for the former worlds youngest citizen and is a man, who in general, is simply past caring. Theo's pacifistic attitude changes when he is kidnapped by a terrorist/freedom fighting organisation called The Fish. These renogades are led by Theo's ex-wife Julian Taylor (Julianne Moore) who offer Theo a much needed £5K in exchange for a border pass (these are now customary in 2027). Theo can lay his hands on the border pass thanks to a relative in high places, however he must accompany the refugee that the pass is intended for across the border. Sounds simple enough? Well thanks to some twists, turns and barbaric action it isn't as Theo must get the refugee across the border amidst some serious complications.

This is definitely the best Clive Owen performance and film that I have seen to date and his relationship with Michael Caine's hippy weed dealer Jasper is definitely one of the films highlights. The character of Theo makes a reluctant hero and the script is filled with humour to reflect this. It's safe to say that Owen does a good job with this character and in general the film is well cast throughout with Michael Caine in a scene stealing mood.

What really impresses about this movie is the attention to detail displayed in what life in 2027 would be like. The action scenes, of which there are plenty, are also excellent as are the special effects. My only criticism of the film is that it fails to really move you and I guarantee that a lot of people will fail to 'get it', which may make Children of Men a critical rather than commercial triumph.